§ 26. Mr. TimmsTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the progress of digital terrestrial television. [2861]
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe UK remains on target for the early introduction of the first digital terrestrial television services in the world. I am very grateful for the prodigious efforts of the ITC in achieving this progress in implementing the Broadcasting Act 1996. All the terrestrial broadcasters who were offered guaranteed capacity on digital multiplexes by the Government have indicated to the Independent Television Commission that422W they intend to take up that capacity. On 31 October, the ITC invited applications to operate the four digital multiplexes not pre-assigned. Those applications must be submitted by 31 January 1997. The commission hopes to award the licences shortly thereafter, and intends that all licensees should begin their services by 1 July 1998 at the latest.